Navigation Technologies, a provider of digital maps for vehicle navigation, Internet/wireless applications and business solutions announced Oct. 14 that it will demonstrate its real-time traffic solution which provides in-vehicle incident and traffic flow information for Chicago's major roadways. The company says that the traffic demonstration and solution was initiated by Navigation Technologies and leverages numerous industry partners for content, delivery and in-vehicle systems. The solution will be demonstrated at the 9th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), a global conference and exhibition on transportation technology, taking place in Chicago's Lakeside Center at McCormick Place, October 14-17, 2002. Navigation Technologies says their approach creates an inclusive platform for the aggregation of multiple sources of traffic information from incident and flow to weather and events. The information is combined and merged with NAVTECH map data through a data fusion process and then delivered to the in-vehicle navigation system through a wireless signal. The solution delivers real-time congestion, incident and road condition information directly to the driver, enabling informed routing decisions. "We see ourselves acting as a catalyst for a dynamic in-vehicle traffic solution that brings together numerous industry leaders," said John MacLeod, executive vice president, North America and World Markets at Navigation Technologies. "Based on our experience in Europe and Japan, we believe that traffic information will increase daily use of navigation and enhance consumer satisfaction." Navigation Technologies and TrafficCast infuse and interpret the data, XM Satellite Radio delivers that data nationwide via satellite and Alpine Electronics of America and Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. provide the navigation systems that bring the solution to life inside the vehicle. Additionally, Nissan North America provided an Infiniti QX4 for the demonstration. Attendees of the show will have the opportunity to experience the live traffic demonstration by literally driving the roads of Chicago. Participants will experience one of three routes, each originating from McCormick Place, and will see real-time traffic and incident data on the navigation system in the form of icons (construction, accidents and road closures), color-coded streets and/or text information. "Each of the world class companies we've partnered with provide a unique expertise in their respective arenas," said Chris Page, product manager - Traffic, at Navigation Technologies. "This solution is designed specifically for telematics applications. The open architecture allows us to incorporate the highest quality traffic information collected from numerous sources and is expandable as new technology and information become available." About TrafficCast
TrafficCast (www.trafficcast.com) generates personalized, route-specific real-time and predictive traffic and travel time information for the United States. The firm provides current and predicted travel times for more than 400,000 miles coast to coast including Interstate highways, other expressways, and major arterials. About XM Satellite Radio
XM's programming lineup features 101 coast-to-coast digital channels: 70 music channels, many of them commercial- free, from hip hop to opera, classical to country, bluegrass to blues; and 31 channels of sports, talk, children's and entertainment. XM was named 2001 "Product of the Year" by Fortune, an "Invention of the Year" by Time, won Popular Science's 2001 "Best of What's New" Grand Award in the electronics category, and received a coveted "A" rating from Entertainment Weekly. General Motors recently began selling factory-installed XM radios across 25 different 2003 models. XM is also available on select new vehicles from Honda, Acura, Infiniti, Nissan and Isuzu. XM radios are available at major electronics retailers nationwide. Manufacturers such as Sony, Alpine, Pioneer, Delphi and Audiovox offer a broad array of XM radios that enable any existing car stereo system. XM's strategic investors include General Motors, American Honda Motor Co. Inc., Clear Channel Communications and DIRECTV. For more information, please visit XM's web site: http://www.xmradio.com . About Alpine Electronics of America
Alpine Electronics is a mobile electronics system supplier. Alpine specializes in an integrated platform concept for mobile multimedia with premium components for digital audio/video media playback, digital broadcast reception, security and satellite linked navigation. Alpine Electronics is a consolidated subsidiary of Alps Electric Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of electronic components for computer, communications and car electronics equipment. Alpine is the Alps Group's specialized supplier of mobile electronics systems. Visit Alpine at www.alpine.com to learn more about mobile multimedia excellence or www.alpine-usa.com to find the closest dealer. About Pioneer
Pioneer's Mobile Entertainment Division is a manufacturer of audio, video and information products for in-car use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including visual/audio, navigation, and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and competitors. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Premier brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years for Premier products. Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com . About Navigation Technologies
Navigation Technologies creates the digital maps that power navigation and location-based services around the world. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and is privately held. The company's 1,200 employees are in over 100 offices in 18 countries. For more information, visit www.navtech.com .